Climbing A Grade
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 Dodge Intrepid, 2003 Chrysler Intrepid, 2003 Chrysler Concorde, 2003 Chrysler 300M, and 2002 Dodge Intrepid. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
If opening the throttle alone cannot maintain the set speed and the vehicle speed drops more than three mph below the set speed, the transmission will downshift to 3rd gear. If the vehicle continues to lose speed, by more than 6 MPH, the transmission will downshift again to maintain the set speed. After the vehicle encounters a less-steep grade, or has crested the grade (reduced the load on the powertrain) and can maintain the set speed at a reduced throttle position, the transmission will upshift, as appropriate, until the set speed can be maintained in Overdrive.